Father, Son, and Patriarch. Maurice Mears was born and raised in Miami, FL. Maurice is a graduate of Miami Carol City Senior High School, as well as the University of New Mexico where he was ranked number 8 in the nation by position as an Offensive Tackle and number 72 overall out of 100 for all positions. Due to an injury in his senior year, his dream of pursuing a professional football career was cut short. Being the strong, determined individual he is, Maurice graduated with his BS in Communication and created another path for himself. After graduation he returned home to Miami Fl where he once lived and experienced the culture of cigars, deciding to make a hobby into his own company. Cigars fueled his interest to research the taste and quality of different cigars brands, thus creating JM Patriarch.